The Titfield Thunderbolt

As a babe in arms in 1947, I was blissfully ignorant of The Transport Act legislated that year, part of the Nationalisation process introduced by Clement Attlee’s Government. This politically significant change forms the backcloth for Philip Goulding’s stage play based on one of the Ealing comedies.

Set in 1952 this is a whimsical tale reflecting true British spirit of villagers seeking to halt the pending closure of their Titfield to Mallingford railway by way of a  local residents take over. The script is full of great gentle humour and fun. The highly talented cast was packed with larger-than-life characters playing plucky residents resisting the closure of their line, fighting progress, the omnibus, the Civil Service and spivs and in the process confronting red tape that would not be out of place in modern day Britain.

Director Graham Robson, also the explanatory ‘Narrator’ brought together all characters most effectively in a production that grew from a gradual if a little slow first act to its a conclusion in the second. Banter between characters was particularly enjoyable throughout from stereotypes typically to be found in a good British drama. The whole performance started with the ‘choir’ ably led by Clifton (Kirsty Asad) the Station Manager in ‘The Ferroequinolgist’s Lament’ mentioning rail lines marked for closure up and down the UK.

Lady Edna Chesterford (Margot McCleary) gave an excellent performance with great charm and determination both in dress sense and character. Vernon Crump (Neil McBride) impressed as the chancer, wheeler dealer. Together with his son Harry Crump (Wayne Bartlett) they were an impressive pair as they conspired to threaten any aspirations of success, not wishing to get anything in the way of profit. Harry Crump and the stiffly backboned Sergeant Wilson (also Wayne Bartlet) ‘took a shine’ to the delectable barmaid Joan Weech (Andi Hardy) — but only Harry won her heart in the end!. Mr Valentine (Roger Gowland) impressed as the wealthy villager and notable resident at ‘The Pig & Whistle’ in bow tie and always with a drink in hand. Sam Weech (Phillip Hickson) was a convincing vicar, eager to fulfil his ambition of becoming an engine driver and provided much of the humour as he could barely suppress his delight at getting a "real" train to drive.

Officialdom was never far away. Blakeworth Town Clerk (Graham Ball) a suitably stuffy committed local government man complete with bowler hat, Mr Clegg (Gregor Danlow) the officious Railway Inspector accomplished in performance and in his calculated objectivity in deciding to adjudicate in the villagers favour and approve their appeal to run their own beloved branch line. Miss Coggett (Linda Burridge) a workers representative would make the present day trade union movement proud. Miss Ruddock (Fiona Robson) a Ministry of Transport official, diminutive in height though not in stage presence as chair of the inquiry was dwarfed by a huge lectern before a platform was placed to allow her to address the assembled villagers. One of many very funny scenes

This excellent production owes its success in no small way to a superbly crafted innovative set with sound effects and lighting. Scenes were swiftly created by villagers shifting props and furniture to depict a station or bar or town hall inquiry venue. Costumes authentic in design and colour were a further enhancement. The train, its carriages and way it was able to move was sheer genius. Dialogue had a few blips in delivery though accents and overall performances more than made up for that. 

Interspersed with carefully selected music of the period this trip aboard ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ was Just the Ticket.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12) on Behalf of District 5

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